US sets up nuclear planning unit in South Korea: Report
Move signals deeper integration of nuclear operations within US-South Korea alliance
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ISTANBUL
US Forces Korea has established a nuclear planning unit separate from its joint command with South Korea, the Korea Herald reported Thursday, citing multiple South Korean and US sources.
The unit, known as the J10 Strategic Integration Element, has reportedly been operating since around June 2025 under a US Army colonel.
US officials involved in nuclear operations are expected to be stationed in South Korea as part of the move.
In the US military’s joint staff system, J10 typically handles nuclear and countering weapons of mass destruction functions.
The unit was first created under J5, which oversees planning, in 2024, the report said.
According to the report, J10 leads efforts to integrate conventional and nuclear operations within the alliance and serves as a key link between US Forces Korea and US Strategic Command, which manages the US nuclear arsenal.
US Forces Korea confirmed the unit’s existence but did not provide further details. South Korea hosts about 28,500 US troops under a long-standing mutual defense treaty.
